BEND, Ore. – The Central Oregon community is in mourning after a deadly avalanche claimed the lives of a well-known local couple, Terry and Susan Skjersaa. The couple, both long-time residents and active members of the region’s vibrant outdoor and skiing culture, were found buried in an avalanche on Monday, February 17, while backcountry skiing near the Happy Valley area, located between the city of Bend’s watershed and Broken Top Mountain.
Terry Skjersaa, 57, and his wife Susan Skjersaa, 52, were reported missing Monday evening when they failed to return from their trip. Friends and family began searching for them, and just before midnight, they discovered their bodies buried in the snow. The avalanche is believed to have occurred several hours before they were located. Despite swift efforts by Deschutes County Search and Rescue, the couple was found deceased.
According to Deschutes County Sheriff’s Sergeant Jason Wall, the avalanche was a significant hazard, classified as a “D2, Storm Slab avalanche” by the Central Oregon Avalanche Center. The avalanche occurred at an elevation of 6,700 feet on a south-facing slope. The crown height of the slide averaged 45 centimeters, and it traveled 320 vertical feet into a dense cluster of trees. While the exact cause remains uncertain, it is likely that the Skjersaas unintentionally triggered the avalanche while recreating in the area.
The Skjersaa family’s ties to skiing in Central Oregon stretch back to the 1930s when Terry’s grandfather, Olaf Skjersaa, opened the city’s first ski shop in 1938. The family has been integral to the development of skiing in the region, founding the Skyliners Ski Club and hosting competitions that attracted athletes from across the Northwest. Over the years, the family has produced top-tier competitors, instructors, and coaches in a variety of skiing disciplines, from Alpine and cross-country to ski jumping.
Terry Skjersaa, a principal broker with Duke Warner Realty, was deeply embedded in Bend’s outdoor lifestyle. Described as an expert on the local landscape, he enjoyed skiing, cycling, and camping, often sharing these passions with his daughters, Ellie and Jade, and his wife, Renee. His connection to the area was personal and professional, with more than two decades of experience in real estate and the outdoor industry.
Susan Skjersaa, a respected educator in Bend-La Pine Schools, dedicated much of her career to helping students connect with career opportunities and internships. She was also known for her athleticism, having competed in cycling and coached middle school track and cross-country.
Both Terry and Susan were beloved figures within their community. The Central Oregon Avalanche Center, in a Facebook post, extended condolences to the Skjersaa family, noting their deep legacy in the region. “Few families have stronger roots in Bend than Terry Skjersaa,” the post read. “As longtime residents of Central Oregon, they have touched many lives, and their legacy will continue to live on in our community.”
Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp also expressed his sorrow in a statement. “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the couple who lost their lives in the avalanche while enjoying the Central Oregon backcountry. Their long history in our community and the lives they touched are a testament to the spirit and resilience that make Central Oregon such a special place to live.”
The community has been left shaken by this tragedy, with many reflecting on the lasting impact Terry and Susan Skjersaa had on Central Oregon. Their love for outdoor recreation, family, and their local community will continue to be remembered, even as the region mourns their untimely loss.
An official investigation into the avalanche is ongoing, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.
